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Teen Charged as Adult in Cruise Ship Sister's Death
17 Apr
Summary
- Teen accused of murder and sexual abuse invoked right to remain silent.
- Victim found dead under bed; cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation.
- Suspect released to uncle's custody, now faces adult felony charges.
A 16-year-old Florida boy, T.H., is now facing adult charges for the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner. The tragic incident took place on November 6, 2025, aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Horizon. Kepner was discovered deceased under her bed on November 7, 2025.
Following the ship's arrival in Miami on November 8, 2025, FBI agents began their investigation. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office determined Kepner's cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation. T.H., who had been sharing a room with Kepner, was arrested on February 3, 2026, and charged as a minor with murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
His legal defense team immediately invoked his right to remain silent, a request granted by a judge. Despite the parents' distress over his pretrial release into his uncle's custody, T.H. now faces adult felony charges. His arraignment is scheduled for next week, where his pretrial release conditions may be altered.
